Linthorpe Cemetery, Middlesbrough: Commemorating Jewish Soldiers

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During the 20th Century, Middlesbrough had a far larger Jewish community. A plaque marks their losses during World War One. It lists five men who died while serving in the armed forces. One Teesside man was interviewed in the eighties about his memories of the Jewish people in the area. Norman Bielby was born in 1907, and his family lived in Union Street and attended St Paul's Church School. He had a job doing housework for an orthodox Jewish family. He says they had a rough time: "They were very kind people. All Jews were persecuted in the war. We talk about Hitler persecuting them but we did it here. Jews were in a very awkward situation during the First World War." Location: Jewish Prayer House, Ayresome, Green Lane, Middlesbrough TS5 4DN Image: A commemorative plaque